About First 5 Glenn County

Background

The California Children and Families First Act created the California Children and Families Commission, also known as First 5 California. The name First 5 comes from current brain development research that clearly indicates that a child's emotional, physical and intellectual environment in the first five years of life has a profound impact on how the brain is organized. Early experiences significantly influence how a child will function in school and later in life. Attention to and investment in the lives of young children is a powerful means of preventing future difficulties, such as physical, mental, social and emotional development delays and disturbances.

The California Children and Families Act of 1998 was designed to provide, on a community-by-community basis, a comprehensive, integrated system of early childhood development services for all children prenatal to five years of age, in order to lay the emotional, physical and intellectual foundation for every child to enter school ready to learn and become productive, well-adjusted members of society.

First 5 California is the statewide coordinator and leadership agency for the Act. In addition, there are 58 County Commissions, including Glenn County First 5, which are charged with local decision-making and funding. Eighty-percent of the revenues from the Act goes directly to the County Commissions.The amount of state funds allocated to Glenn County is based on the annual county birth rate.

The Glenn County Children and Families Commission, also known as First 5 Glenn County, was created in 1999 to:

evaluate the current and projected needs of young children and their families in Glenn County

develop a strategic plan that describes how community needs will be addressed

determine how to expend local monies - approximately $300,000 annually - provided by the Act

Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and activities funded in accordance with the strategic plan

Vision Statement

Children in Glenn County will thrive in supportive, nurturing and loving families and communities and be positively prepared to enter and succeed in school to become productive, well-adjusted members of society.

Mission Statement

The Glenn County Children and Families Commission is committed to providing and enhancing quality early childhood development services for all Glenn County children, prenatal to age five, and their families.

Presence of First 5

First 5 Glenn County makes vital decisions to improve the lives of children ages 0 to 5, pregnant women and their families. First 5 Glenn County funds Early Learning Education, Adult and Professional Education, Prenatal, Infant, Toddler and Child Health - Dental - Mental Health as well as Child Care Referrals and over site support for all other programs that promote Early Childhood Development in Glenn County California.